Walk or drive through your neighborhood several times a day, especially early in the morning and at dusk. Ask neighbors and their children (kids often know more about the neighborhood than working parents), letter carriers, joggers, garbage collectors, newspaper carriers and others to look out for your pet.
 
 

Go and visit the animal shelters in your area, rather than phoning them. (This includes the ARK!) Often shelters have many animals that might match your pet and workers are often too busy to handle phone calls. Visit the shelter every 24 hours. If you don't have a shelter in your area contact the local police.
 
 

Try placing a recently worn piece of clothing outside. Animals have a keen sense of smell and familiar smells can bring them home. For indoor cats, place their litter box outside.
 
 

Distribute flyers in as many public places you can think of: for example, grocery stores, veterinary clinics, churches, schools, pet stores, animal groomers, etc. If possible include a picture of your pet. Describe your pet in detail, including your pet's name. Include the date and place the animal was lost and a phone number where you can be reached. Mention any particular markings or the color of your pet's collar in the write-up. Consider offering a nominal reward. (Beware of callers who say they have your pet and demand you send them money for the animal's return. Withhold one of your pet's identifying characteristics so you can verify the honesty of a caller who is claiming to have found your pet.)
 
 

Place an ad in the lost column of local newspapers. Since many papers allow people to put "found" ads for free, check newspapers daily in case someone is trying to find you!
 
 

Some communities have non-profit groups who have formed a network to assist people who have lost a pet. When you visit your animal shelter, ask if such a network exists in your area. Try looking in the newspaper classified ads for these groups or ask at a pet store. If you use one of these services remember to give a donation so they can continue to help others. Some of these groups may charge a nominal service fee.
 
 

If your pet was injured he or she may have been taken to a nearby veterinarian or animal hospital before being taken to an animal shelter.
 
 

It is far more likely your pet has strayed from home than he or she has been stolen. If you have evidence that leads you to believe your pet was stolen, contact police and the SPCA or animal control agency. Permanent identification in the form of tattooing or a microchip implant can help authorities track your animal.

Continue to search for your pet even when there is little hope. Some animals who have been lost for months have been reunited with their owners.

Most dogs and cats that end up lost have no identification. They could be more easily returned if they did!

Be sure your dog and cat have up-to-date identification tags on at all times. Include the pet's name and the phone numbers where someone can be reached.

Do it today! Identification tags are inexpensive. Remember, if your pet has a collar and identification,
strangers will be more likely to step in and aid your lost animal.

Cats too! Purchase a special "break-away" collar with a built in elastic for cats. Should your cat become
caught by the collar (for example on a tree branch) the collar will pull off and prevent choking.

As well as a collar and tags, consider having your pet tattooed or microchipped. This can be done at the
same time your pet is spayed or neutered.
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Information adapted fromt the Washington County SPCA.